Odd Stamp + Masazane

[Cuirassier]

I know about Minatogawa Shrine and Chrysanthemum / Cherry Blossom markings on blades, but I have never come across this one before, and can find no example of it elsewhere.

Anyone recognize it?
Also, the signature is very hard for me to read; I have tried several books to find a match.

Masazane? Masayoshi?

Thanks in anticipation

[PNSSHOGUN]

Aoi-mon, or Hollyhock crest of the Shogunate. Certain smiths were given permission to use it if they worked for the Tokugawa family, perhaps a little like Holland & Holland made pieces for the Royal family.

 

 

[Geraint]

Hi Mark.

 

Well, have a look here, https://www.nihonto.com/the-yasutsugu-school-康継系/

 

This is a case where the normal order of the signature does not apply.

 

Would love to be able to say that this is is genuine but.............

 

This mark is not a stamp like the WWII ones but a carving.

 

Can we see the whole blade?

 

All the best.

 

[Cuirassier]

Thanks Guys. I will take some photos tomorrow. The blade was / is in gunto mounts with a very special silver habaki.

Cheers

[Cuirassier]

OK Geraint, hopefully these are good enough.
It is in a gunto; I photo'd the silver habaki as it is well above the norm

 

[Cuirassier]

The first two characters are Yasutsugu (康継) yes?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Can we please see the mounts?

[uwe]

Yes!

[Cuirassier]

Hi John. They are bulk standard gunto mounts, nothing great

[Cuirassier]

Yasutsugu (something) Echizen?

[uwe]

Yep,

 

”康継於越前作之“ (Yasutsugu oite Echizen kore wo tsukuru).

[PNSSHOGUN]

No mon, pierced Tsuba etc?

[Cuirassier]

23 minutes ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

No mon, pierced Tsuba etc?

Nope, regular gunto fittings except for habaki.

[Cuirassier]

27 minutes ago, uwe said:

Yep,

 

”康継於越前作之“ (Yasutsugu oite Echizen kore wo tsukuru).

Strewth, thanks Uwe. Maybe I can afford the extension now after all